Steamed Artichokes and Roasted Garlic Dipping Sauce |
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Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes |
Ready In: 65 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Don't be afraid of the artichoke! This recipe will tell you how to prepare it and to how to actually eat it! (the first time I had no clue what was edible on this cactus-like thing). It is healthy (esp. steamed) and full of fiber. This is a delicious and simple way to enjoy artichokes! The roasted garlic is so mellow and can be prepared while the artichokes are steaming to save time. Sour cream can be substituted with plain yogurt to cut calories. The steaming time of the artichokes and roasting time of the garlic bulb will vary slightly depending on the sizes you have. Ingredients:
2 artichokes |
1 lemon |
1 head garlic (whole bulb) |
2 tablespoons mayonnaise |
2 tablespoons sour cream |
salt and pepper |
3 tablespoons olive oil |
Directions:
1. Cut off the bottom stems of the artichokes with a serrated knife and rub the artichoke bottoms with the lemon. Cut about 2 inches off the top of the artichoke, drizzle some lemon juice over the top as well.
2. Optional: Using kitchen scissors, snip off prickly ends of each leaf for easier enjoyment later.
3. Place the artichokes in a steamer and steam 40 to 50 minutes, or until the bottoms are tender when pierced and the leaves pulls out easily. When it's done, quickly plunge into a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking and drain.
4. While steaming the artichokes, prepare the garlic for the sauce: Cut off top of garlic bulb (enough to expose tops of most garlic cloves). Drizzle enough olive oil over the cut cloves to drench the top and sides, sprinkle a pinch of salt as well. Wrap foil around the garlic bulb and seal at the top. Roast in 400 degree oven (I use my little toaster oven) for about 30-40 minutes until soft and roasted, browned around the tops and edges is a good indicator. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
5. When cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves from their bulbs by pressing with your hands from the bottom of the bulbs to the top (cut side) into a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream, and stir with fork to blend well. Add salt if needed and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
6. To eat the artichoke, pull the leaves and dip the bottom tender part into the sauce, pull the tender meat with your teeth on the bottom part of the leaves, don't eat (discard) the rough tops. Towards the inside you can bite off more of the tender bottoms of the leaves. Towards the heart of the artichoke, you will see pins and needle-like fuzzy stuff which you can scrape off with a spoon, then you can eat the best part of all, the center or heart of the artichoke.
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